Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, NY (2023 Update)

  • Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $9,453
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,582
  • Payback Period: 15.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Aurora.

In Aurora, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Aurora homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,458 with the federal tax credit, or $13,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Aurora, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Aurora

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,627
3 years $-6,975
5 years $-5,323
7 years $-3,671
9 years $-2,020
11 years $-368
13 years $1,284
15 years $2,936
17 years $4,588
19 years $6,240
21 years $7,891
23 years $9,543
25 years $11,195

Top Solar Installers in Aurora

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Aurora

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora

The cost of installing a solar system in Aurora can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,950 per kilowatt in Aurora. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Aurora, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Aurora to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Aurora know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.07 $12,886 $6,820 16.3 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $9,424 16.0 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $12,193 15.7 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $15,127 15.4 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $18,227 15.1 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $21,491 14.8 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $24,921 14.5 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $28,516 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Aurora, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aurora?

The average cost of solar panels in Aurora is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Aurora, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Aurora?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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